The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has decried the lawlessness of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that there are no checks and balances in the system.
He also alleged that the president violates the country’s constitution without hindrance, noting that the president does not respect federal character in his appointments.
He stated that the president does not respect the APC’s constitution, which is why some members are defecting.
He said: “You can see the way President Tinubu is governing now. Nobody in the APC is ready to check him. It is clear that the way President Tinubu governs violates the Constitution.
“There is no proper federal character spread in his appointments. He’s not following Chapter 2 of the Constitution. He’s not even respecting the APC Constitution, among many other issues. I’ve seen signs that there is no check and balance within their system. That’s why some of them, though not all, find it uncomfortable to continue there,” he said.
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He also warned Nigerians to be vigilant and watchful as politicians defect from one party to another ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned Nigerians not to be deceived by the wave of defections, stating that many of these moves are self-serving and self-preserving, with little regard for the interests of the masses.
He advised Nigerians to pay attention to defections based on belief or ideology.
“Politics is a career. It’s a profession. To some people, it’s even a business. So, many of these moves may be self-serving and self-preserving. People are positioning themselves for what the future will bring for them.
“People should pay attention to defections and movements that arise from belief or ideology. Many are defecting because the government of the day, or the party they previously belonged to, is no longer serving their interests. But, if the movement is based on personal gain, personal feelings, or a desire to boost one’s career, it is up to the public to properly evaluate. Not all defections are the same. Some reflect selfishness, while others reflect principles. It’s for the public to judge,” he stated.
Continuing, he said: “If you listen to the narratives of those who are changing parties, it suggests that they are moving for reasons that affect them personally, not because of issues that affect the people.
“There may be others who are moving quietly and have not expressed the purpose or reason for their move. But those who have given interviews, spoken extensively, and provided background on why they are changing positions all point to personal ambition, personal grievances, or unrealized promises. So, it’s more personal.”
On his party’s ability to manage the political heavyweights defecting to it, he said they simply need to understand that it was the lack of discipline and party supremacy that led them to leave their original parties. In the SDP, its constitution is supreme over any member of the party.
He noted that in some other parties, like the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), personalities are superior to the party, and even to government institutions. This is why some members are leaving the party.
“If we, the SDP, don’t learn from the chaos and lawlessness in the APC and PDP, then what is the rationale for us to claim we want to govern Nigeria? We need to learn from the mistakes of the big parties.
“That’s why the SDP is doing its best to make people understand that the party is supreme. It is supreme over me, over the National Chairman, the NWC, and the NEC; the party is supreme over everyone. The Constitution of the party is only subject to the Constitution of Nigeria.
“So, if you don’t respect the Constitution of the SDP, then if you’re given a public office, you are most likely not going to respect the Constitution of Nigeria. That’s what we’re trying to do in the SDP,” he said.
